U.S. patent application number 12/961788 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-09 for window shade safety system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Rowley Company, LLC. Invention is credited to John Rowley, Min Ye.
Application Number | 20110132555 12/961788 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44080860 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110132555 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rowley; John ; et
al. |
June 9, 2011 |
WINDOW SHADE SAFETY SYSTEM
Abstract
A window shade having a lift cord that is partially or entirely
contained within a tape. Preferably, the tape is made of fabric or
cloth. In a first embodiment, the tape portion of the window shade
is made of a cloth that is woven to form a tube. The lift cord or
cords of any window shade are contained within the hollow portion
of the tube. Additionally, the cloth tape is spot stitched to the
window shade at a spacing small enough to prevent the entry of a
head of a child, person, or pet. As a lowered shade is raised by
the lift cord, the lift cord tape tightly gathers so as to prevent
the formation of loops, or at least loops large enough to engulf a
head.
Inventors: |
Rowley; John; (Gastonia,
NC) ; Ye; Min; (US) |
Assignee: |
Rowley Company, LLC
|
Family ID: |
44080860 |
Appl. No.: |
12/961788 |
Filed: |
December 7, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61267195 |
Dec 7, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
160/340 ;
160/84.04; 29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B 9/326 20130101;
Y10T 29/49826 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
160/340 ;
29/428 |
International
Class: |
A47H 5/02 20060101
A47H005/02; B23P 11/00 20060101 B23P011/00 |
Claims
1. A lift cord shade system, comprising: a window shade having a
surface; a tape connected to said surface; and a lift cord
contained at least in part by said tape.
2. The lift cord shade system as recited in claim 1, wherein said
lift cord is completely contained by said tape.
3. The lift cord shade system as recited in claim 1, wherein said
tape is made of woven or knitted fabric.
4. The lift cord shade system as recited in claim 1, wherein said
tape is a woven or knitted tube having a hollow portion that
receives said lift cord.
5. The lift cord shade system as recited in claim 1, wherein said
tape is made from plastic film or non-woven fabric.
6. The lift cord shade system as recited in claim 1, wherein said
tape includes a first side edge and an opposing second side edge,
wherein said first side edge includes a first sew tab.
7. The lift cord shade system as recited in claim 6, wherein said
second side edge includes a second sew tab.
8. The lift cord shade system as recited in claim 7, wherein said
tape includes a tube, and wherein said tube is between said first
and second sew tabs.
9. The lift cord shade system as recited in claim 8, wherein said
first sew tab has a width of about 4 to 5 ends, and wherein a
second sew tab has a width of about 2 ends.
10. The lift cord shade system as recited in claim 6, wherein said
tape has a width of about 1'' or less.
11. The lift cord shade system as recited in claim 8, wherein said
tube includes a hollow portion that has a width of about 9 ends,
and wherein said lift cord is contained within said hollow
portion.
12. The lift cord shade system as recited in claim 1, wherein said
tape includes an area, wherein said area is suitable for sewing or
including a sew tab.
13. The lift cord shade system as recited in claim 1, wherein said
tape includes a first face and an opposing second face, and wherein
said lift cord is woven from said first face to said second face
along the length of said tape.
14. The lift cord shade system as recited in claim 1, wherein said
tape includes a plurality of rings or loops that are included
within said tape.
15. The lift cord shade system as recited in claim 1, wherein said
tape is a twill tape.
16. The lift cord shade system as recited in claim 1, wherein said
tape includes a coating for lowering the friction between said tape
and said lift cord.
17. The lift cord shade system as recited in claim 16, wherein said
lift cord includes said coating.
18. The lift cord shade system as recited in claim 16, wherein said
coating is petroleum based
19. The lift cord system as recited in claim 18, wherein said
coating is wax or paraffin.
20. The lift cord system as recited in claim 16, wherein said
coating is a fluoropolymer.
21. The lift cord system as recited in claim 1, wherein said lift
cord and said tape are made of different materials.
22. The lift cord system as recited in claim 21, wherein said lift
cord is made of polyester and wherein said tape is made of
nylon.
23. The lift cord system as recited in claim 1, wherein said tape
is made of a translucent material.
24. The lift cord system as recited in claim 23, wherein said tape
is made of mono-filament yarn or strands.
25. A method for imparting safety to a lift cord shade, comprising
the steps of: providing a window shade having a surface, a tape and
a lift cord that is at least partially contained by said tape; and
connecting said tape to said surface of said window shade.
26. The method as recited in claim 25, wherein said tape includes a
sew tab along its length.
27. The method as recited in claim 26, further comprising the step
of spot tacking said sew tab to said surface of said window
shade.
28. The method as recited in claim 26, further comprising the step
of sewing said sew tab to said surface of said window shade along
the entire length of said tape.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority of
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/267,195, filed on Dec. 7,
2009.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to safety features
for window shades, and, in particular, to an apparatus and method
for imparting a safety feature for window shades with lift
cords.
[0003] The use of window shades or coverings in residential and
commercial settings is the preferred choice to control privacy and
the natural light entering a space, as well as to create an
aesthetically pleasing appearance within the space. In addition to
the appearance and effectiveness of window shades, a significant
consideration in choosing a window shade is whether it is
sufficiently safe to avoid unforeseen accidents and danger to those
operating the shade, as well as to those that come into contact
with the window shade who are more vulnerable and prone to
accidents, such as children or pets. In fact, among reported cases
in the past 12 years, over 200 infant deaths may have been
attributed to window shade related incidents.
[0004] Even a single death is too many when it could have been
avoided through adequate safety measures. One of the greatest
dangers presented by conventional window shades includes the
failure to shield or contain the lift cords connected to the window
shades. Loose or free lift cords have the potential to become
entangled and wrapped around those who come into contact with them.
Thus far, this area of potential danger remains largely unaddressed
among conventional window shades. Moreover, recalls on these types
of window coverings for safety reasons are not only commonplace,
but they are occurring on a rapidly increasing basis.
[0005] The classic window shade includes lift cords or lift tapes
running down through columns of rings that are sewn to the back of
the window shade. As the lift cord is pulled on a lowered shade,
the shade will raise and form layers or tiers. If the lift cord is
free other than its connection to the rings, a cord could be pulled
to form a loop. These loops can potentially become dangerous, if
not deadly, if one becomes entangled within them such as by placing
one's head within the loop.
[0006] Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved apparatus
and method that provides a convenient and effective means to
protect the lift cords of window shades from unintended uses and
accidents.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The following presents a simplified summary of the invention
in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the
invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the
invention. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements
of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention; its
sole purpose is to present concepts of the invention in a
simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that
is subsequently presented.
[0008] According to its major aspects and briefly stated, the
present invention includes a window shade having a lift cord that
is partially or entirely contained within a lift cord tape or
enclosure that is referred to herein generally as a "tape." As used
herein, "window shade" refers to a Roman-like or cord-lifted window
shade, which includes rings, loops or other means through which
lift cords or lift tapes can slide. These types of shades include,
but are not limited to Roman, woven, wood, hobbled, cloud and
Austrian style shades.
[0009] The tape of the present invention can be made of fabric,
cloth, plastic film or nonwoven fabric, as well as other suitable
materials. In a first embodiment, the tape portion of the window
shade is made of a cloth that is woven to form a tube. The lift
cord or cords of any window shade are contained within the hollow
portion of the tube. Additionally, the cloth tape is entirely
stitched or spot stitched to the window shade at a spacing small
enough to prevent the entry of a head of a child, person, or pet,
which would comply with proposed industry guidelines. As a lowered
shade is raised by the lift cord, the tape tightly gathers or
shirrs, yet the lift cords are concealed so as to prevent the
formation of loops, or at least loops large enough to receive and
engulf the head of an infant or person.
[0010] In an alternative embodiment, the tape includes a single
layer of cloth that is generally flat and not formed into a tube.
In this embodiment, a lift cord is loosely woven down the length of
the tape so that when the lift cord is pulled or retracted, the
tape will shirr to a shape resembling ribbon candy. While some
loops are formed by the exposed portions of the lift cord, these
loops are not large enough to contain the head of an infant or
person.
[0011] In another alternative embodiment, the tape or the lift cord
or both the tape and the lift cord include a coating to facilitate
in the operation of the window shade. Compression of the tape when
the shade is raised is critical for proper shade function and
appearance. Compression and ease of raising the shade is enhanced
by reducing friction of the cord in movement relative to the tape
as the shade is raised.
[0012] The coating to either the tape or the lift cord could be
applied in the yarn state prior to manufacturing, or,
alternatively, after the cord or tape is manufactured. Several
coatings could be used including but not limited to petroleum based
coatings such as wax or paraffin derived coatings. Other friction
reducing coatings include fluoropolymer coatings. Additional
coatings are anticipated.
[0013] In yet another alternative embodiment, the lift cord and the
tape can be made of different types of material compositions or
fibers that reduce the friction between them. Surfaces of similar
materials generally have increased tendency to grip or gouge each
other when in sliding contact. As an example, but not by way of
limitation, the cord can be made of polyester and the contact
surface of the tape can be made of nylon or another suitable
material other than polyester.
[0014] In still another embodiment, the tape of the present
invention can be made of a translucent material. While some window
shades are opaque to sunlight, others are constructed from
translucent fabric. If translucent fabrics are used, care must be
taken to avoid materials that create the appearance of an obvious
shadow when viewed on the interior side of the shade during a sunny
day. Furthermore a translucent tape is also less visible through
the window from the exterior of the structure. Alternatively, the
tape construction can include the use of a mono-filament yarn or
strands. This type of construction results in a significantly less
visible tape from interior and exterior sides of the shade.
[0015] Additional embodiments are also contemplated by the present
invention, including an embodiment that employs a twill tape that
covers or partially covers a lift cord. Additionally, rings or
loops can be sewn or weaved into the tape for added
reinforcement.
[0016] A feature of the present invention is the use of a tape that
partially or entirely engulfs a lift cord of a window shade so as
to prevent the formation of loops large enough to contain or
receive the head of an infant or person. The tape also reduces a
chanced access to the lift cord by a child or pet.
[0017] Another feature of the present invention is the use of a
tape and lift cord that are constructed so as to minimize the
friction between them during the operation of a window shade. By
including different materials or surface coatings to the lift cord
and tape, the friction between these features can be reduced.
[0018] Other features and their advantages will be readily apparent
to those skilled in decorative arts, techniques and equipment from
a careful reading of the Detailed Description of Preferred
Embodiments, accompanied by the following drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1A includes a rear view of a lift cord shade system
wherein the shade is lowered according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0020] FIG. 1B includes a rear view of a lift cord shade system
wherein the shade is drawn up according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a tape and a lift cord
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a tape and a lift cord
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tape and a lift cord
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a tape and a lift cord
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a tape and a lift cord
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a tape and a lift cord
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a tape and a lift cord
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a tape and a lift cord
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a tape and a lift cord
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0030] The present invention includes a system, apparatus and
method for imparting safety to a window shade. Alternative
embodiments of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 1-5. In
particular, the present system includes a window shade 14 having a
lift cord 12 that is partially or entirely contained within a lift
cord tape and is referred to herein as simply a tape 10. As used
herein, "window shade" refers to a Roman-like or cord-lifted window
shade, which includes rings, loops or other means through which
lift cords or lift tapes can slide. These types of shades include,
but are not limited to, Roman, woven, wood, hobbled, cloud and
Austrian style shades.
[0031] In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, features of the
window shade 14 are shown so as to place the tape 10 and lift cord
12 of the present invention into context. It is thus within the
purview of the present invention to combine the tape 10 and lift
cord 12 with other window shades having a variety of features and
dimensions.
[0032] As illustrated, the window shade 14 includes lift cords 12,
which can vary in number, that are partially or entirely contained
within tape 10. Additionally, the window shade 14 system can
include a drive cord 16 that engages the lift cords 12 so as to
raise and lower the window shade 14.
[0033] The tape 10 can be secured to the window shade 14 by a
variety of means. For example, the tape 10 can be sewn to the
window shade 14 along the entire length of the tape or only spot
stitched to the window shade 14 in spaced apart increments along
the tape 10. Furthermore, the tape can be adhered to the surface of
the window shade through the use of an adhesive material.
Similarly, the adhesive can be applied along the entire length of
the tape 10 or only at spaced apart portions of the tape 10.
[0034] In operation, the lift cords 12 remain at least partially,
if not completely covered when the window shade is either in a
lowered or raised position. The tape 10 will appear generally flat
or smooth when the window shade is lowered or completely down in
relation to the window being covered. When the window shade 14 is
drawn up, the tape 10 of the lift cords 12 will appear crinkled or
puckered.
[0035] In one embodiment, the drive cord 16 of the present
invention can also include a tape cover 18. As shown, the drive
cord 16 could be contained within a tape cover 18. Because the tape
cover 18 of the drive cord 16 would not be directly anchored to the
window shade 14, the tape cover could be weighted to assist in
maintaining the drive cord 16 covered until engaged. This tape
cover 18 could be lifted to reveal the drive cord 16 if and when
the drive cord 16 is engaged to raise or lower the window shade 14.
Alternatively, the tape cover 18 will become extended or puckered
depending on the raising and lowering of the drive cord 16.
[0036] The tape 10 of the present invention can be made from a
variety of materials, including fabric, cloth, or non-woven
materials, including plastic. The tape 10 can also include a number
of features and dimensions. In embodiments, shown in FIGS. 2A-2B,
the tape portion of the window shade is made of a cloth that is
woven and/or knitted to form a tube 20 having a top layer 21 and a
bottom layer 23. The lift cord 12 or cords of the window shade 14
are contained within the hollow portion of the tube 20 and extends
the length of the tape 10.
[0037] Although other dimensions and structures are contemplated,
an example construction of 10 tape is shown in FIG. 2A. In
particular, the tape 10 is made of woven and/or knitted fabric. The
tape 10 includes a first edge 22 that includes a sew tab having a
width of approximately 4 or 5 ends at one side of the tape 10 and a
second edge 24 including a sew tab of approximately 2 ends at the
opposing side of the tape 10. Between these sew tabs is the hollow
tube 20 area formed by loosely or tightly woven fibers having a
width equal to about 9 ends and including a top and bottom layer,
21, 23. In total, the width X of the tape is about 1'' or less.
However, other sizes and dimensions for the tape 10 and its
features are contemplated.
[0038] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2B, the tape 10 can include
opposing edges, 24, 26 having sew tabs of approximately the same
width on either side of the tape 10 along its length. Between these
sew tabs is the hollow tube 20 area formed by loosely or tightly
woven fibers having a width equal to about 9 ends and including a
top and bottom layer, 21, 23. In total, the tape 10 can have a
width X of about 1 inch or less. However, other sizes and
dimensions for the tape 10 and its features are contemplated.
[0039] The tape could also be a mesh, open weave or knit
construction. Additionally, a sew tab can be located in other areas
than the opposing side edges of the tape 10. For example, a sew tab
can be located along only one of the side edges of the tape 10. The
sew tab can be bordered by a hollow tube in more than one area. For
example, a sew tab can be flanked on either side by a hollow tube.
Other alternative arrangements including a sew tab and a tube of
the tape 10 are also contemplated.
[0040] The sew tabs as described can be employed to attach or
connect the tape 10 of the present invention to a window shade 14.
For example, the tape 10 can be spot tacked or spot stitched along
the sew tabs to a surface of a window shade 14. Alternatively, the
tape 10 can be sewn or tacked continuously along the length of the
sew tabs 10 to a window shade 14. To the extent that the tape 10 is
spot tacked or stitched, the spacing between the areas of
attachment of the tape 10 to the window shade 14 are at least small
enough to prevent the entry of a head of a child, person, or pet.
For example, the tape 10 can be spot tacked at spaced intervals of
about 6 inches.
[0041] In operation, the tape 10 of FIGS. 2A-2B will tightly gather
or shirr when a lowered window shade 14 is raised by the lift cords
12, yet the lift cords 12 remain concealed so as to prevent the
formation of loops, or at least loops large enough to receive an
infant-sized head. When the lift cords 12 are pulled, the hollow
area within the tube 20 and the lift cords 12 can be easily
compacted. In fact, the compaction allows for the window shade 14
to be lifted to a desired level, such as levels reached by standard
window shades.
[0042] Whereas the tape 10 of the present invention is connected to
the window shade 14, the lift cords 12 within the tape 10 or
engaged by the tape 10 are preferably not stitched to or connected
to the window shade 14. The more freedom the lift cord 12 has to
move within or through the tape 10, the better the compression of
the tape 10 and overall operation of the window shade 14.
[0043] In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, the tape 10 includes
a single layer of cloth or woven fabric, as well as plastic film
and nonwoven fabric. In this embodiment, the tape 10 is generally
flat and not formed into a tube. As shown, the lift cord 12 is
loosely woven down the length of the tape 10 from one face 31 of
the tape 10 to the opposing face 32 through openings 30 so that
when the lift cord 12 is pulled or retracted, the tape 10 will
shirr in a zigzag fashion. In particular, when the lift cord is
pulled or retracted, the tape 10 will shirr to a shape resembling
ribbon candy. While some loops can be formed by the exposed
portions of the lift cord 12, these loops are dimensioned so that
they are unable to receive or contain the head of a child or
person.
[0044] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the present invention. As
illustrated, the tape 10 is formed into the shape of a tube 32.
Thus, the tape 10 surrounds the lift cord 12, which is contained
within the hollow portion of the tube 32. Along the length of the
tape 10 and within the interior, hollow portion of the tape 32 are
included one or more rings 40 that can provide reinforcement to the
tape 10. These rings 40 can be sewn to, weaved through or otherwise
attached to the tape 10.
[0045] In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 5A, the tape 10 of the
present invention can be made of a translucent material 50. FIG. 5B
shows the tape 10 formed with an opaque material 52 by comparison.
While some window shades are opaque to sunlight, others are
constructed from translucent fabric. If translucent fabrics are
used, care must be taken to avoid materials that create the
appearance of an obvious shadow when viewed on the interior side of
the shade during a sunny day. Furthermore, translucent tape is also
less visible through the window from the exterior of the structure.
To achieve a more translucent tape, the tape 10 can be formed using
a mono-filament yarn or strand. This type of construction results
in a significantly less visible tape from interior and exterior
sides of the window shade.
[0046] Another embodiment of the tape 10 and lift cord 12 is shown
in FIGS. 6A-6B. In particular, the tape 10 or the lift cord 12 or
both the tape 10 and the lift cord 12 can include a coating or
surface coating 60 to facilitate in the operation of the window
shade. Compression of the tape 10 when the window shade is raised
is critical for proper shade function and appearance. By applying a
coating to the tape 10, the lift cord 12, or both, compression and
ease of raising the window shade is enhanced because the friction
of the lift cord 12 in movement relative to the tape 12 is reduced
as the window shade is raised.
[0047] The coating 60 to either the tape 10 or the lift cord 12
could be applied in the yarn state prior to manufacturing.
Alternatively, the coating 60 could be applied after the lift cord
12 or tape 10 is manufactured. Several coatings could be used
including, but not limited to, petroleum-based coatings such as wax
or paraffin derived coatings. Other friction reducing coatings
include fluoropolymer coatings. Additional coatings are
anticipated.
[0048] In another alternative embodiment, the lift cord 12 and the
tape 10 can be made of different types of material compositions or
fibers that reduce the friction between them when the lift cords
are engaged to raise and lower a window shade. Surfaces of similar
materials generally have increased tendency to grip or gouge each
other when in sliding contact. As an example, but not by way of
limitation, the lift cord 12 can be made of polyester 70 and the
contact surface of the tape 10 can be made of nylon 72 or another
suitable material other than polyester. Other materials, including
those having different resin compositions are contemplated by the
present invention.
[0049] Additional embodiments are also contemplated by the present
invention, including an embodiment that employs a twill tape that
covers or partially covers a lift cord. Additionally, rings or
loops can be sewn or weaved into the tape for added
reinforcement.
[0050] Additional embodiments are also contemplated by the present
invention, including an embodiment that employs a twill tape that
engulfs or partially engulfs a lift cord, as well as an embodiment
that includes a woven or knitted mesh hollow tube.
[0051] While it is important to avoid as much potential for danger
as possible, the tape of the present invention need not extend the
entire length of the window shade to which it is connected. It is
most important to include the tape in areas most likely to invite
tampering or manipulation by those vulnerable to its danger. For
example, the tape can be attached to the window shade below the
head rail of that shade, but at a level high enough to avoid reach
by an infant or child.
[0052] Those skilled in the art of window shades and the decorative
arts will appreciate from the foregoing description of preferred
embodiments that substitutions and modification can be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is
defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *